Senate Bill 181 proposes an amendment to current law regarding local property tax levy limits, specifically creating an exemption for costs associated with regional emergency medical services. The bill defines "regional" as a service area that is at least 232 square miles or includes at least eight municipalities. Under this legislation, cities, villages, towns, or counties can levy amounts for regional emergency medical services without being subject to the usual levy limits, provided they participate in a joint emergency services district or intergovernmental agreements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these levied amounts will not be considered when determining eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program payment.

The bill also amends existing law by inserting language that specifies expenditures related to the newly created exemption for regional emergency medical services will not be included in the calculation of municipal budgets for the purpose of the expenditure restraint incentive program. This change aims to ensure that municipalities can adequately fund emergency medical services without being penalized under the current budgetary constraints. The initial applicability of this provision will take effect for levies imposed in December of the year following the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 79.05(2)(c), 79.05